Retro Carry Handle vs Trijicon ACOG

Published on December 9, 2023
Duration: 17:08

This video compares a retro carry handle sight system against a Trijicon ACOG TA31 optic at 100 meters using a Palmetto State Armory retro build and a Daniel Defense AR-15. The primary takeaway is the importance of testing optics, as the ACOG experienced a critical windage adjustment failure, rendering it unusable and causing it to underperform significantly compared to the iron sights. The carry handle system, despite its age, proved reliable and capable of consistent grouping.

Quick Summary

At 100 meters, a retro carry handle sight system proved more reliable than a Trijicon ACOG TA31 due to a critical windage adjustment failure in the ACOG. The video emphasizes that testing optics is crucial, as even reputable brands can have defects, and fundamental marksmanship is key when magnification fails.

Chapters

  1. 00:14Introduction: Carry Handle vs ACOG
  2. 00:26Firearms Used: PSA Retro Build & Daniel Defense
  3. 00:33Test Parameters: 100m, 10-Round Groups
  4. 01:48First Carry Handle Group Results
  5. 03:25Second Carry Handle Group Results
  6. 05:04Third Carry Handle Group Results
  7. 06:40Importance of Vertical Front Sight
  8. 07:15Final Carry Handle Group
  9. 08:15ACOG Time: Trijicon TA31 Introduction
  10. 08:38ACOG Test Firing Begins
  11. 08:53ACOG Windage Adjustment Failure
  12. 10:05ACOG Reliability Issues Explained
  13. 11:09Continuing with Carry Handle Sights
  14. 12:37Carry Handle Outperforms ACOG
  15. 13:41Lesson: Train With Your Gear
  16. 16:11Conclusion: Test Your Optics

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main finding of the carry handle versus ACOG comparison?

The primary finding was that the retro carry handle sight system proved more reliable and consistent at 100 meters than the Trijicon ACOG TA31, which experienced a critical windage adjustment failure.

Why is testing optics important, according to the video?

Testing optics is crucial because even reputable brands like Trijicon can have defects. The video demonstrated how a malfunctioning ACOG could fail to zero and shift point of impact, highlighting the need to verify functionality before relying on the optic.

What are the key differences between a retro carry handle and a Trijicon ACOG?

A retro carry handle is a non-magnified iron sight, emphasizing fundamental marksmanship. The Trijicon ACOG TA31 offers 4x magnification with a green chevron reticle, intended to improve target acquisition at distance, but its functionality is dependent on reliable adjustment mechanisms.

What marksmanship principle is emphasized for iron sight use?

For iron sights, it's vital to ensure the front sight post is perfectly vertical. Canting the rifle, where the magazine is not aligned vertically, will affect the point of impact, requiring compensatory aiming adjustments.

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